Josie Sampson2015-08-02T18:49:09-04:00Josie Sampsonhttp://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/author/index.php?author=josie-sampsonCopyright 2008, HuffingtonPost.com, Inc.HuffingtonPost Blogger Feed for Josie SampsonGood old fashioned elbow grease.Paris: Seven Places You'll Recognise From Cinematic Historytag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2014:/theblog//3.55868802014-11-04T06:39:51-05:002015-01-04T05:59:01-05:00Josie Sampsonhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/josie-sampson/Paris is a city that's spent centuries inspiring artists, writers, musicians, photographers and filmmakers alike - and wandering the streets of the City of Light, it's not hard to see why.

It's here, among the iconic architecture and the air of romance, that the film director greats such as Luis Buñuel and the legendary Woody Allen have found their inspiration. It's a place where coincidence, fiction and reality all coincide.

A great example of this is the latest effort from Expedia; their travel video #FilmTripping explores those Parisian locations that you're sure to recognise from the silver screen. Here's a look at the places they explore.

Before Sunset (2004)| Shakespeare and Company, 75005

Arguably the most famous bookshop in the entire world, Shakespeare and Company first opened in 1919 and was a literary corner frequented by the greats: Hemingway, Fitzgerald and Gertrude Stein to name just a few. Moved to a new location due to the Second World War, todays Shakespeare & Company sits happily in the shadow of its predecessor.

It's here that a pivotal scene of 2004's Before Sunset takes place, with two old lovers (Jesse and Celine) meeting again nine years after their first encounter. Image source

Les Amants du Pont-Neuf (1991)| Pont-Neuf, 75001

Despite its name meaning "new bridge", Pont-Neuf is actually the oldest of Paris' modern bridges. Standing right by the infamous Île de la Cité, Pont-Neuf connects the city's Right Bank luxury with the artsy and bohemian style of La Rive Gauche.

When it comes to cinematic history, Pont-Neuf is a key location. Much of 1991's Les Amants du Pont-Neuf (1991) sets the love story between a young painter and a street performer around the bridge. Image source

Midnight in Paris (2011)| Île de la Cité, 75004

The Île de la Cité is a natural island in the middle of the river Seine, considered as the very centre of Paris and as the heart of its medieval history. It's here you'll find Point Zero, the site of the world famous Notre Dame Cathedral.

If there's one film truly capturing the beauty of Île de la Cité, it's Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris (2011). In the film, the main character walks along the quays of the Seine by night, accompanied by the beautiful mistress of the famous Picasso. Image source

Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain (2001)| Canal Saint-Martin, 75010

Sitting pretty in the heart of Paris' most bohemian neighbourhood, Canal Saint-Martin is the centrepiece to a place of artisan bistros, hip cafes and creative types. The tranquil canal is a local hotspot, providing a peaceful respite that feels a million miles from tourist-heavy central Paris.

It's here among the shady trees and dappled sunlight that some of the most memorable scenes from 2001's Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain take place. Image source

The Bourne Identity (2002)| Belleville, 75020

Although Belleville has come a long way since its days as an independent commune overlooking the city of Paris below, it has long been considered a "working class" neighbourhood. Today home to an impressive array of cultures, Belleville is a burgeoningly creative area, with a village feel and an influx of artists attracted by cheap rents.

Passage Plantin is a charmingly narrow and cobbled street in the heart of Belleville, immortalised on screen in The Bourne Identity (2002). Image source

Moulin Rouge! (2001)| Pigalle, 75018

The site of perhaps the world's most famous red windmill, Pigalle is a neighbourhood simply overflowing with cabaret theatres, sex shops and adult shows. Long regarded as the underworld of Paris, Pigalle is a place that comes alive by night, fuelled by desire, indulgence and decadence.

Of course, it's Pigalle's most famous theatre - the Moulin Rouge - that's the setting for the romance of two star-crossed lovers in Baz Luhrmann's Moulin Rouge! (2001). Image source

Paris Je T'aime (2006)| Trocadéro, 75016

There's no denying that there's one image that will always spring to mind when you think of Paris: the Eiffel Tower. And there's no better place to catch a glimpse of this iconic structure than looking out across the river from Trocadéro, a former village of Paris and the site of the Palais de Chaillot.

It's here that one of the most memorable of Pairs Je T'aime's (2006) eighteen segments takes place, a charmingly unforgettable short featuring two mimes that fall in love. Image source]]>A Novel Place to Stay: Famous Literary Hotels Around the Worldtag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2014:/theblog//3.56939892014-08-20T06:25:08-04:002014-10-20T05:59:01-04:00Josie Sampsonhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/josie-sampson/
If that sounds right up your street, here's where to head to follow in the footsteps of the world's great writers, both past and present.

Hotel Chelsea | New York City, USA
A building filled to the rafters with scandal and intrigue, you probably know the place better as the Chelsea Hotel. Home to artists, musicians and writers alike, if these walls could talk, they'd sure have a lot to say.

When it comes to writers, the Chelsea hotel has it all. Dylan Thomas lived and died here. Jack Kerouac wrote On the Road here. Arthur C. Clarke wrote 2001: A Space Odyssey here. Thomas Wolfe, Mark Twain and Arthur Miller have all been guests here.
Don't miss your chance to check in and check it out.222 West 23rd Street, Chelsea, Manhattan, New York City (closed for renovations)

Hotel Ambos Mundos | Havana, Cuba
After his first visit in 1928 where he stayed at the Hotel Ambos Mundos, Ernest Hemingway quickly fell in love with the vitality of Cuba. He frequented the hotel each time that he came back, even making it his home for seven years from 1932 to 1939.

So if you want a little slice of the Hemingway action for yourself, be sure to visit number 511 - you can't stay in the room itself but you can get a good look inside and pretend like you are.153 Obispo, Havana, Cuba

Hotel Pont Royale | Paris, France
Follow in the footsteps of your favourite artistes and book a room at the Hotel Pont Royale. It's at this exquisite Left Bank hotel that you can immerse yourself in the world of past guests such as James Joyce, Camus, Sartre and Gabriel García Márquez.

The best part is that it's just a stone's throw from the classic literary haunts of Paris: Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots. What are you waiting for? C'est magnifique! 7 Rue Montalembert, 75007 Paris

Hotel Monteleone | New Orleans, USA
Sitting pretty in the heart of New Orleans' historic French quarter, Hotel Monteleone boasts an impressive list of literary elite for its former guests. Everyone from Hemingway to Truman Capote and William Faulkner have called Hotel Monteleone home for a night or two.

In fact in 1999, the Friends of the Library Association named the hotel an official literary landmark. How's that for impressive?
214 Royal St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130

Radisson Sonya Hotel | St. Petersburg, Russia

If you're a fan of the Dostoyevsky novel Crime and Punishment, then you're in for a right treat at the Radisson Sonya Hotel because the whole place is inspired by the Russian classic. With the entire interior reflecting the imagery of the book, quotes can be found all over the hotel - from the carpet to the walls.

Agreed, it might not be the most aspirational of classic novels, but don't let that deter you because this is a hotel that's truly one of a kind. 5/19 Liteyny Prospekt, St. Petersburg, 191187

So if you're a travelling bookworm, don't hesitate for a moment longer. Check out one of these literary gems and dream among the greats!]]>Moving to Paris? Everything You Need to Knowtag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2014:/theblog//3.52719872014-05-06T06:40:02-04:002014-07-06T05:59:03-04:00Josie Sampsonhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/josie-sampson/

There's just something about Paris, isn't there? The enchantingly grand buildings, the deliciously gourmet food, the feel of romance floating through the air; it's a city that Francophiles all over the world dream of calling home. But is it time to make that dream a reality? Whether you're considering the big move for a year, for a lover or forever, here's our go-to guide to becoming a resident of the City of Light. Et voila!

Work: Finding that all-important job
The main obstacle you'll find when it comes to securing a job in Paris is this: you'll need to convince your potential employers that you are more capable and better suited to the job opportunity than anyone they'll find in France. If you can do that, then you're on the right track. Of course, the easiest way to secure a job in Paris is getting a transfer through your existing job - every major international company will have offices in France - but if you're not lucky enough to work for one, there are a number of other options out there. Your best bet is to secure a job before you arrive and job websites such as www.monster.fr, www.keljob.com, www.recrut.com and www.cadreemploi.fr will be indispensable in helping you on your quest. If you're within visiting distance of Paris, head to local job fairs on your next visit, or try The American University of Paris and FUSAC magazine - both are treasure troves for insider job adverts.

Visas and Paperwork: Getting through the red tapeVisa
If you're from the EU, EEA or a Swiss national, then congratulations! You don't need a visa to secure yourself a job in Paris. However, it's not all crusty baguettes and French cheese just yet, because if you haven't found a job within six months of arriving into the country, you may have to leave again unless you can prove that you're actively seeking employment. You must also register with the job-seekers agency.

For foreign nationals from any other country, France's red tape can be notoriously hard to cut through - but don't give up hope just yet! Here's what you need to do: to be allowed employment in France, you must hold both a valid work permit (autorisation de travail) and residence permit (a long-stay visa or visa de long séjour) and both of these must be obtained before you arrive. This isn't as straightforward as it sounds, since obtaining the work permit basically requires you to have a job offer, ready and waiting in Paris. However, you're entitled to look for employment in Paris whilst travelling there on a tourist visa, so give yourself a head start if possible!

Paperwork
The goal in a smooth move to Paris sans souci is making your life as easy as possible for yourself - and that includes gathering all the necessary paperwork together for your job hunt. Make yourself a file with your CV, photocopies of your passport, any necessary visas, old payslips, household bills, your carte vitale (health card) and carry it with you wherever you go. Basically, the more you can gather the better.

Do your homework on the French employment and tax systems in order to avoid any nasty surprises later. It can be a bit complicated for those not in the know, so read up a bit and learn all about the difference between CDIs (permanent contracts) and CDDs (temporary contracts), and cadres (management) and non-cadres (non-management) positions - it could come in really handy later!

Bank account
Perhaps your first priority when you arrive in Paris is your bank account - it will hinder everything else that you try to do if you don't have one set up. Arrange an appointment à la banque beforehand to coincide with your first day in Paris and get the ball rolling as soon as possible. It'll be almost impossible to rent an apartment or set up your bills without one.

Apartment: Getting a roof over your head
It might be scary to make the move to Paris without having a home to call your own when you get there, but it will definitely be easier to do the apartment hunt face to face. One thing you can do to lessen the stress, is arrange an immobilier (otherwise known as an estate agent or housing broker) to show you around a whole selection of apartments on a specified date soon after you arrive. Just remember that if you're due to arrive in August, most will be away from the city on holiday.
If you'd prefer to do the hard work yourself and reap the rewards of an apartment without the agency fee, the weekly publication De Particulier à Particulier is a great place to look and the website is available in English at www.pap.fr. Another great place to check out is www.paris.craigslist.org.

To secure your apartment, you'll need a guarantor - a French one. If you don't know anyone suitable, there are a number of non-profit organisations that may be able to step in - or you could ask your employer if you've already got that part sorted. By law, you'll need to provide proof that you have tenant's insurance and you may be asked to show that you earn at least three times the rental amount.

Language and Customs: Acting like a ParisianLanguage
When you're struggling to get your tongue around the langage de l'amour, it may seem tempting to slam down your French dictionary and give up completely. Sure, English is the lingua franca of the world and you can definitely get by in Paris without speaking French - but this doesn't mean that you should! Not speaking the language means that you'll only skim the surface of living as a true Parisian and you'll miss out of the everyday nuances of conversation and communication. No one said that it would be easy, but it'll be well worth the effort when you can negotiate with your new landlord or entertain friends over dinner without that lost-in-translation hassle.

Customs
You may find job interviews a little more formal in Paris than you're used to. When you're meeting your potential new boss, remember that respect is the order of the day and don't try and go in for a kiss on the cheek - a firm handshake is much better. Also, remember your French grammar lessons and be sure to use the polite vous form of the verb; tu is far too matey and casual for this situation.

It's also worth remembering that French employers may expect your cover letter to be written by hand. Handwriting is taken very seriously in France and is seen as a good indicator of many things about a person. There are even stories of interviewees having their handwriting analysed by an expert!

In Paris, it's vital to note that entering or leaving a place without saying hello and goodbye is considered very rude. When you walk into a shop or a doctor's waiting room, a polite and friendly 'bonjour' will do the trick. It may seem alien or embarrassing at first, but you'll stand out more if you don't do it, than if you do!

And there you have it, your very own guide to moving to La Ville Lumière - what are you waiting for?]]>Skateseeing? Five Other Reasons to Check Out East Londontag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2014:/theblog//3.48235912014-02-20T11:12:13-05:002014-04-22T05:59:01-04:00Josie Sampsonhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/josie-sampson/
The latest effort from HotelClub is a travel video encouraging people to head east, focusing on Shoreditch and Hackney. The film offers a skater's eye view of the area, zooming in on the colourful street markets, cafes and people that make the area unique.

It certainly does a good job of making you want to go there, but it doesn't necessarily cover everything that East London has to offer. This post focuses on five other reasons why you should ride the Central line that little bit further east...

Floating Businesses

We all know that a Regent's Canal is a great place to hang out, but have you checked out the numerous floating businesses along the towpath? Word On The Water is a friendly barge selling secondhand books to passers by, Chapeau Bateau specialises in funky hats and caps, while Frocks A Float offers a range of carefully-edited men's and women's vintage clothing. Part of the fun is finding them all!

Decent Music Scene

Indie fans are well served by gigs at Village Underground, XOYO and The Macbeth in Shoreditch, while The Shacklewell Arms, Birthdays and Power Lunches offer something similar in Dalston. East London is a great place for people who still buy records, with Kristina in Dalston, Vinyl Pimp in Hackney Wick and Brick Lane's Rough Trade East all offering an eclectic range of sounds. On a budget? Oxfam on Kingsland Road is where musicians like Kieran Hebden (AKA Four Tet) drop off their spare vinyl!

Striking Contrasts

Nowhere is London's visual schizophrenia better illustrated than in the east, where brutalist council flats rub shoulders with Victorian warehouses, as Canary Wharf's gleaming skyscrapers tower over the rest of the city. East London is where greasy spoons sit side by side to luxury fashion boutiques and rockstars walk their poodles through Ridley Road Market on a Sunday. It's all about the extreme contrasts!

Weird Shops

Wander the streets for any length of time and you're likely to stumble upon some of the weirdest shops in the UK. Viktor Wynd's Little Shop of Horrors on Mare Street is an old school curiosity shop of the most eccentric kind, selling skeletons, butterflies and even a Fiji Mermaid (a taxidermied monkey sewn onto half a fish). Barn The Spoon carves beautiful handmade wooden spoons and spatulas from his little shop on Hackney Road; while further north in Walthamstow The Viking Store provides fantasy and roleplay memorabilia including suits of armour, Viking drinking horns and medieval costumes.

Hidden Art

As a sign in Hackney Wick proclaims, the few square miles are home to the highest concentration of artists in the world, and their creativity shines throughout Shoreditch and Hackney. Quality street art by locals Burning Candy Crew and Stik graces many an empty wall or shop front, while well-known galleries such as the White Cube and Whitechapel Gallery continue to put on regular contemporary art exhibitions. Perhaps the biggest attraction, though, is the lesser-known spaces, such as Schwartz Gallery in the Wick, Pure Evil Gallery in Shoreditch and StolenSpace on Brick Lane.

It's clear that East London has much to offer whatever your interests. Perhaps the best thing to do is head down and check it out for yourself!]]>All Halloween'ed Out? Alternative Festivals From Around the Worldtag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.41704282013-10-28T12:23:42-04:002014-01-23T18:58:21-05:00Josie Sampsonhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/josie-sampson/El Día de los Muertos/Day of the Dead - 1st & 2nd November, Mexico
Known in Mexico as El Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead festival takes place every 1st and 2nd of November in a ghoulish celebration of the circle of life. Coinciding with the catholic All Saint's Day and All Soul's Day, El Día de los Muertos honours the memory of family members who have passed on. At midnight on 31st October, the gates of heaven open and the spirits of dead children reunite with their families for 24 hours, with the spirits of the adults coming down the day after. Traditionally, great feasts are prepared using the deceased's favourite foods, and an altar is set up to remember them by. Visiting family graves is especially important during this time, with flowers and sugar skulls typically taken as gifts. Whilst this celebration of life and death is slowly becoming more familiar to the Western world, we think Mexico is still the ultimate destination to experience this festival of the macabre first-hand!

Diwali/Festival of Lights - 3rd November, India
For five days of every year, a myriad of places around the world are beautifully lit up in the annual celebration of the Hindu festival, Diwali. During this time, small clay lamps are filled with oil and lit to signify the triumph of good over evil, with the lamps kept burning throughout the entire festival. Houses are cleaned, new clothes are worn and snacks and sweets are circulated amongst friends, all in order to make the goddess Lakshmi feel welcome. One of the biggest Diwali celebrations can be found in Goa in southern India, where villages compete to see who can build the biggest effigy of the demon Narakasura, burning the effigies at the dawn of Narakasura Chaturdashi - the day before the main day of Diwali. Goa is an unbeatable place to experience the wonder of Diwali, proving the ultimate paradise backdrop for the beauty and spirituality of the festival of lights. So take the plunge and make this the year that you book yourself a flight to Goa - just in time for this year's Diwali.

Pirate festival - 7th-17th November, Cayman Islands
Every November, the Caribbean paradise of the Cayman Islands revisits history with a ten-day festival of self-described 'controlled mayhem', beginning with a full-scale mock invasion by pirate ship. Thousands line the streets to watch as two huge replicas of 17th century galleons sail into George Town Harbour, both swarming with seafaring rogues ready to carry out their 'surprise' attack on the island. The ensuing battle and the choreographed kidnapping of the local governor is all good-natured family fun - and there's a twist every year for those that think they've seen it all! The rest of the festival comprises of street performances, dances, parades, fireworks and themed events - so don your eye patch, practice your best swashbuckling moves and check out the island's official website for more information.

So there you have it, three ways to enjoy some fantastic festivities this autumn - without a trick or treater in sight!]]>A First Time Buyer's Guide to Getting on the Property Laddertag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.39150382013-09-12T13:17:50-04:002013-11-12T05:12:01-05:00Josie Sampsonhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/josie-sampson/
Over the past year, property prices have already increased 20% in some areas. According to Halifax the average house price in the UK is now over £170,000 - the highest amount in five years. Look behind the averages and the picture is even scarier for many first time buyers, with many simply priced out of city areas. What's more, many parents are starting to worry 'How will my children ever afford to live around here?'.

With a little bit of know-how, it's still possible to get a foot on the property ladder - and shared ownership with a friend or friends is one way of making that first step. If you can afford to buy a whole house, there are plenty of ways to save money and make the buying experience a bit less painful, whether you snap up a bargain at auction or get a cheap deal from developers.

A Helping Hand
In 2012, the Government announced plans to introduce interest-free equity loans in the form of the Government Help to Buy scheme. This is where the Government provides up to a 20% equity loan, with the buyer putting down the remaining 5%. The Government will gain from appreciation as they own 20% of your home once the property is sold and as a buyer, you'll still own 80% of the property - a great deal that many people are taking up. Help to Buy is currently available until to the end of 2014 so many people are trying to get on the ladder via this method during this time period.

Shared Ownership
This is where you can buy a share in a house and pay rent to a housing association on the part that you don't own. After a set period, you can buy the landlord's share or even sell your share on. Usually it costs the price of your mortgage payments plus rent., but you may also have to pay a reservation fee to the housing association. With this method, buyers can buy into a home that they could never afford outright. Rents are set to inflation, rather than interest rates, so you are protected from fluctuating mortgage payments. There are shared ownership waiting lists that you can join, with priority given to council or housing association tenants. S Direct House Buyer have recently commentated on how to identify hotspot areas.

Buying with Friends
It's useful to know that up to four people can be named on a single mortgage agreement - the typical mortgage limit will be 3.25 times the salary of the highest earner, or 2.5 times the two highest salaries.You need to draw up a Document of Trust or co-habitation agreement through your solicitor, setting out the details of each partner's share of the property and giving each of you first refusal on the other's stake in the event that one decides to sell up their share. According to Direct House Buyer,"considerations such as good transport links and locality of work are important considerations that need to be agreed upon with all parties".

What it costs: Your share of the deposit and mortgage plus the cost of drawing up the co-habitation agreement (around £150).

Pros: It is another cheap way to get your foot in the door and the arrangement will enable you to split any development and maintenance costs, as well as bills.

Cons: You need to get on very well. If one wants to sell out but the other can't or won't buy the remaining share, a lengthy stalemate could ensue. Also, each partner in the purchase is liable for the full mortgage payments in the event that the other drops out. For this to work you need suitable friends, a suitable house and a lender.

So there you have it, proof that it can be done.]]>Your Guide to Tokyo's Fashion Tribestag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.34526702013-06-17T06:14:56-04:002013-08-17T05:12:01-04:00Josie Sampsonhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/josie-sampson/

Lolita kei
Perhaps the most internationally recognised fashion movement in Tokyo, the Lolita kei isn't solely about dressing like a child, as you might have mistakenly thought. In fact, its routes actually lie in rebelling against the over sexualisation of women by everyone from men to the media. Victorian-inspired silhouettes and knee length skirts bulked out with pretty petticoats, pastel colours, frills, aprons and bows are all characteristic of this super sweet but conservative look.

Decora kei
If you're a fan of all things kitsch and cute, then Decora kei may just be the thing for you. Obsessed with all things childlike and 'kawaii' (meaning cute), Decora kei is all about the decoration - gaudy style. Think cutesy hair clips, bows, ribbons, Hello Kitty, Pokémon, neon colours, tutus and accessories galore. The colours are bright and the clothes are layered up as much as possible, often with two of three pairs of clashing knee-high socks wore over the top of each other. It's not all just thrown on though; this mismatched look takes hours of preparation.

Gosurori
Taking its name from an amalgamation of two non-Japanese words, Gosurori is a variant of the classic Lolita movement but with a much darker edge. Gosu is simply the Japanese pronunciation of the English word 'Goth', with rori an abbreviated version of the name Lolita. To get an idea of this Kei, take a Lolita outfit and dye it black, adding lashings of crisp white lace and a dark twist and there you have it! This isn't simply a Gothic inspired look though (which is more akin to the Visual kei look), as followers of Gosurori are pristinely turned out, with clean lines and perfectly dark eye makeup.

Visual kei
Music and fashion have gone hand in hand for years before us, with the likes of disco-dancing glitter and grungy Nirvana-esque plaids. Visual kei is no exception, taking its cues from glam rock and heavy metal, and building a look all about outlandish hair and over-the-top makeup. Flamboyant costumes and elaborate eye makeup are the keys to Visual kei's eccentric style. However, if you want to be taken seriously as part of Visual kei, the most important thing is to not just look the part, but have the musical passion and knowledge to back it up!

Gyaru kei
Gyaru kei originated from a 1970s brand of jeans called "gals" that had the advertising slogan 'I can't live without men'. Although originally personifying the mentality of Gyaru kei, the look is now more to do with a glitzy lifestyle of glamour and fashion, with 'gal circles' exhibiting a disinterest in growing up, careers or marriage. Gyaru kei is typically characterised by its miniskirts and high heels, pristine makeup and high maintenance glamorousness.

So if we've tickled your fashion taste buds, head on over to the coolest city in the East for your fix of sartorial pleasure. This summer, Expedia have some great deals on flights to Tokyo to get you there.]]>What's Your Favourite London Experience? #LDNEXPtag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.33578422013-05-30T05:49:48-04:002013-07-30T05:12:01-04:00Josie Sampsonhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/josie-sampson/London lover or hater?

Yep, London has its lovers and haters. Maybe you zoom in on the negatives - sardine-like Tube conditions, super-expensive tourist attractions, paying through the nose to live in a middle class ghetto. You're only in it for the money, or for the greater employment opportunities. You're gonna make a lot of money and then quit this crazy scene.

Maybe you love the buzz of London. You relish the fact that you can go clubbing till 4am on a Monday morning - even if you rarely do. Every weekend is a city break, and you dig the constant stream of new ideas/marketing gimmicks keeping you entertained (rooftop Jacuzzi cinemas or bike workshop cafes, anyone?).

Cool Places wants you

Whether you're a lover or a hater, there's surely one thing about London that stands out above all others. Something that will make you say, once you've left the capital and retired to a big house in the country, 'Ah, I miss everything.'

This is what Cool Places and HotelClub UK are trying to find out with their latest competition. They want to know your favourite London experience and are giving away a swanky hotel stay for the best answer. They'll also be compiling an epic crowd-sourced London guide from the top 101 contributions. You can read up on the full details of the competition here.

So far, they've got Bill Bryson on board (recommending the London Library and a continuous green walk through Green Park, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens) along with several other celebs. To enter, just check out the Cool Places blog post and follow the instructions to submit your comment on the Cool Places Facebook post or via Twitter using the #LDNEXP hashtag.

What does 'London experience' even mean?

Well, it can mean whatever you want it to, but here are a few ideas that come to mind:

The highly personal - Did you meet the person of your dreams on the top floor of a double-decker bus? Do you have fond memories of racing around Hamleys as a five-year-old? There's no reason why your London experience can't be something like that.

The foodie tip-off - A friend of mine always says that free time in London either revolves around eating or drinking. Your favourite #LDNEXP could be tracking down the best gourmet burgers in the West End or chilling with a craft beer in Brixton.

The tourist draw - In a city like Brighton, you can count the attractions on one hand. London's a different story. There are the well-known free museums and art galleries, and then there are a host of other museums and art galleries which get less publicity - like the Horniman Museum in Forest Hill. Your #LDNEXP might be spreading the word about one of these hidden gems.

The great escape - A lot of Londoners work long hours and follow it up with a lengthy commute. Perhaps you don't want a busy social life on top of that. Maybe your ideal London experience is simply getting away from it all with a quiet walk along Regent's Canal. I think mine would be something like that.

Those are just a few of the possibilities. Let your imagination run wild. It'll be interesting to see what kind of results come in.]]>Why the High Street Isn't Dying, It's Evolvingtag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.28113372013-03-05T10:17:00-05:002013-05-05T05:12:01-04:00Josie Sampsonhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/josie-sampson/Customers are changing
While the increasing power of online presence may cast fear into the hearts of many a high street retailer, this shouldn't necessarily have to be the case. In fact, it may be as simple as realising that the needs of the average customer are changing - a customer who isn't afraid to shop around online to find the best price possible, instead of simply buying an item direct from the store floor. As a result, we could see a lean towards an emphasis on quality over quantity, with high street shops becoming more like showrooms for their online products. This could also spell a more bespoke customer experience, with everything from more aesthetically pleasing interiors, competitively lower prices to fewer staff to save costs - who are instead more knowledgeable as a result.

Local is global
The growth of the online market can prove great news for local business, which is in turn improving the outlook of the local high street. Before the rise of online shopping, local shops and boutiques were limited in their audience, building a reputation only by word of mouth. The internet changes all of that, with online collectives such as Miinto bringing local boutiques to a wider audience. Having recently launched in the UK and Ireland, Miinto collates the country's most unique boutiques, making them accessible online to a UK-wide audience. This isn't an isolated occurrence, with internet presence spelling great success for previously limited businesses and, in turn, strengthening their high street existence.

Pop-ups are popping up
In a similar vein to online shopping, pop-up shops can also be a great asset to a seemingly flailing high street - although in the reverse way. Often given a human face to an online company, the idea is to give local producers and small online businesses a high street platform on which to sell their goods. This may be a more viable option for small businesses unable to take on an entire shop with a long-term commitment that could ultimately cause them to fail. Instead, a pop-up brings in custom and interest, attracting more shoppers into a town centre and helps to deliver long-term stability. The enterprise campaign StartUp Britain recently launched its pop-up shop to great success, giving six small retail businesses the opportunity to co-work an empty shop for two weeks at a time.

In light of these reasons, the outlook is decidedly more optimistic - proving that closures of celebrated companies such as HMV and Jessops are cause for reflection but not hesitation. Instead, we should celebrate how the evolution of customer needs and online presence is creating new UK-based global companies and is bringing British design, technology and creativity to the masses.]]>Fashion Resolutions for 2013tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.24774142013-01-10T19:00:00-05:002013-03-12T05:12:02-04:00Josie Sampsonhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/josie-sampson/
So, how about making this the year that you turn your attentions to your style and give your wardrobe a makeover? Here we bring you our top fashion resolutions to kick off 2013.

Clear Out Your Wardrobe
The best way to start your new and improved wardrobe for 2013 is by purging yourself of everything you already own - but that you never wear. If you're feeling a little strapped for cash after the festive period, you can sell your unwanted items on sites like eBay, or, if you're feeling a little gluttonous and spoiled already, donate your clothes to charity! After this fresh wardrobe start, make a resolution with yourself to keep the cycle going and get rid of one unworn item of clothing every time that you buy a new one.

Try a New Trend
The New Year is a great excuse to push your personal boundaries and try something new. Don't feel the need to wear a trend head to toe, but by incorporating a little part of it - whether it's an on-trend bag or a hyped-up new shoe - you'll be pushed out of your comfort zone, as well as feeling super cool. We hear that big news for 2013 are the likes of stripes, ruffles, sheer materials, the sporty look and the Japanese influence. Online stores such as Miinto are a great place to browse for style inspiration.

Ditch the Jeans
It's easy to fall into a style rut and rely on your trusty jeans day after day. Instead, make it your mission for 2013 to put them aside - even for just a few days a week - and indulge in something new. Whether it's a skirt, a dress, a pair of tailored trousers or even some shorts, there are a ton of clothing options out there that'll wake up your style and force you to think outside of the fashion box.

Move Away From Black
As slimming and as sheek as you think it is, wearing all black, all of the time, can quickly get tired. With spring just around the corner, why not indulge in some lighter, brighter colours? Try some pretty pastels or airy whites - you could even treat yourself to 'getting your colours done' - a process where an expert tells you the colours that suit your skin tone and that should be a part of your wardrobe. Don't forget pattern too, stripes are big news for 2013 and florals are always a hit.

Fix Up Your Clothes
Got a skirt that needs hemming? A pair of shoes in desperate need of reheeling? A dress you swore you'd wear once you'd cut that bow off? The New Year is the perfect time to get your mounting list of repairs and alterations done. If you're not a dab hand with a needle and you can't force a friend to do it, a cobbler or a tailor can be cheaper than you think. While you're at it, clear out all your lonely odd socks, tights that have seen better days and anything that used to be white.]]>Fashion Resolutions for 2013tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.24393202013-01-10T19:00:00-05:002013-03-12T05:12:02-04:00Josie Sampsonhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/josie-sampson/
So, how about making this the year that you turn your attentions to your style and give your wardrobe a makeover? Here we bring you our top fashion resolutions to kick off 2013.

Clear Out Your Wardrobe
The best way to start your new and improved wardrobe for 2013 is by purging yourself of everything you already own - but that you never wear. If you're feeling a little strapped for cash after the festive period, you can sell your unwanted items on sites like eBay, or, if you're feeling a little gluttonous and spoiled already, donate your clothes to charity! After this fresh wardrobe start, make a resolution with yourself to keep the cycle going and get rid of one unworn item of clothing every time that you buy a new one.

Try a New Trend
The New Year is a great excuse to push your personal boundaries and try something new. Don't feel the need to wear a trend head to toe, but by incorporating a little part of it - whether it's an on-trend bag or a hyped-up new shoe - you'll be pushed out of your comfort zone, as well as feeling super cool. We hear that big news for 2013 are the likes of stripes, ruffles, sheer materials, the sporty look and the Japanese influence. Online stores such as Miinto are a great place to browse for style inspiration.

Ditch the Jeans
It's easy to fall into a style rut and rely on your trusty jeans day after day. Instead, make it your mission for 2013 to put them aside - even for just a few days a week - and indulge in something new. Whether it's a skirt, a dress, a pair of tailored trousers or even some shorts, there are a ton of clothing options out there that'll wake up your style and force you to think outside of the fashion box.

Move Away From Black
As slimming and as sheek as you think it is, wearing all black, all of the time, can quickly get tired. With spring just around the corner, why not indulge in some lighter, brighter colours? Try some pretty pastels or airy whites - you could even treat yourself to 'getting your colours done' - a process where an expert tells you the colours that suit your skin tone and that should be a part of your wardrobe. Don't forget pattern too, stripes are big news for 2013 and florals are always a hit.

Fix Up Your Clothes
Got a skirt that needs hemming? A pair of shoes in desperate need of reheeling? A dress you swore you'd wear once you'd cut that bow off? The New Year is the perfect time to get your mounting list of repairs and alterations done. If you're not a dab hand with a needle and you can't force a friend to do it, a cobbler or a tailor can be cheaper than you think. While you're at it, clear out all your lonely odd socks, tights that have seen better days and anything that used to be white.]]>Dressing The Royal Tenenbaumstag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.23162312012-12-17T11:56:42-05:002013-02-16T05:12:01-05:00Josie Sampsonhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/josie-sampson/The Royal Tenenbaums is the connoisseur of Anderson style filmmaking, with the characters clothing playing a vital part in who they are and how we see them. Each of the Tenenbaum children, now in the midst of their 30s, have already long ago reached the height of their success and have since fallen from their great potential. Adopted Margot (Gwyneth Paltrow) - the child genius of the family - wrote and staged plays from a young age, Richie (Luke Wilson) was a young tennis prodigy destined for great things and brother Chas (Ben Stiller) was a financial star. After their early successes fell from beneath their feet, each of the children now live for their glory days, unsure what to do next. Their daily struggle with this can easily be seen from their clothing choices.

Margot

Margot's costuming speaks volumes about her inner turmoil. She feels stuck between the trappings of womanhood, the innocence of a little girl and the scruffily glamorous style of a wildly bohemian artist. She clads herself in a vintage-look fur coat paired with 1960s-style loafers and an extraordinarily expensive designer Hermes Birkin bag. She clashes identities further with a childlike red plastic hair barrette and heavy eyeliner, the outer presentation of her dark, complex character. Her style is supposedly said to be inspired by 60s sensation of the darkly cool, Nico of Andy Warhol and The Velvet Underground fame. Alluding to this idea of Margot as a tortured soul, Nico's song These Days plays when Margot meets her brother Richie for the first time in years.

The Lacoste tennis dresses Margot wears throughout the film are an ode to her brother Richie, once upon a time a would-be pro tennis star. Since her romantic love for him can never become anything physical under the restrictions of society, this is all that she can hold on to. The dresses also play on the jokey aesthetic of dressing a genius such as Margot in an outfit deliberately set to undermine her intelligence.

Richie

As with Margot, Richie Tenenbaum is also trapped in the costume of his life's peak - that of his tennis career. He dresses as if he pictures himself still a serious professional tennis player, clad in preppy whites and complete with both head and arm bands. He uses his costume to hide behind, forever staying in the height of his one-time success and in this way not admitting that his prime time has moved on. His large sunglasses obscure his face and allow him to stay disconnected from the reality of life, as well as disconnected from those around him who may tell him so.

Towards the climax of the film, much is made of the act of Richie shaving off his moustache and beard; such is the gravitas of it as a depiction of his character. For Richie, shaving his beard is a ritualistic act and, as a result, emerges from the past to face his current place in life.

Chas

Chas Tenenbaum's clothing is immediately reflective of and influenced by the tragedies of his life. Once a high-flying money maker, he has long since shed his business suits for tracksuits in the wake of his wife's death. Chas' life now is all about running away from sadness, danger and above all from reality. His red Adidas tracksuits are perfectly matched to his children's, in attempt to both protect them and revert himself to the unobtainable safety of adolescence. Throughout the film, we see Chas implementing emergency drills at his home, pushing his sons to run out of the house in time to be saved from the threat of tragedy. It is almost as if by dressing them all in identical clothing, they are now bound by fate to experience the same realities of life, whether they are good or bad.

The Royal Tenenbaums is ultimately a powerful statement on clothing's ability to truly be a visual reflection on who it is that we are and who we present ourselves as to the outside world. As a viewer, we find ourselves hoping that as the film draws to a close, the Tenebaums will finally be able to change their clothes, having figured out first how to change themselves.]]>The Fashionable Mr. Ripleytag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.23014902012-12-14T11:56:45-05:002013-02-13T05:12:01-05:00Josie Sampsonhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/josie-sampson/The Talented Mr. Ripley has long been overlooked and underrated. Who knows, perhaps this only further adds to the film's mystique, akin to the best restaurant in town where only the locals are privy to its secret. The title's namesake, Tom Ripley (Matt Damon) is but a bathroom attendant who's borrowed a fancy jacket to play the piano at a high class New York event. Following a case of mistaken identity, an inhabitant of this rich world - Herbert Greenleaf - takes Tom for an old Princeton chum of his son, Dickie (Jude Law). He offers Tom money to help convince his estranged son Dickie to return home from the idyllically meaningless lifestyle he lives in Italy with girlfriend Marge (Gwyneth Paltrow). Unknowingly, he is offering Tom the golden ticket into a world of decadence and luxury set against a lavishly beautiful backdrop of southern Italy. What ensues is a warped and unfurling plot of little white lies, larger dark lies and twisted truths - all told in order to stay in the game. In this world of double lives and overlapping identities, costume plays a defining role.

Transporting us instantly to the bliss and exuberance of sun-dappled Italy, the palette of the film itself is awash in a sea of bleached out tones. A menagerie of pastels and creams across the spectrum, the scenes appear almost faded by the heat of the sun, as if the film dailies have quite literally been left outside. The effect is carefree and light; an effect that transfers over to the lives and costumes of the main characters: a beautiful mix of American prep and southern Italian style. Dickie is the epitome of this American wealth and status and this is reflected in both his choice of style and in his clothing itself. He clads himself in a wide selection of blazers, jackets and linen trousers and portrays an air of casual liberation. Despite this, his wealth shines through; his well-fitting and high quality clothes an indication of his affluence. He accessorises plentifully and generously, adorning himself in expensive jewellery, hats and opulent ties.

As much as Dickie's clothes are driven by taste, Tom Ripley's choices are driven purely by need. Tom is very much dressed in a sartorial portrayal of the boy next door, complete with gingham, corduroy and a palette of plain, block colours. His too is an all-American look, this time however, owing to the fact that he has never travelled and has not experienced culture other than his own. His one dimensional look and lifestyle means that he does not own many clothes and is often seen in the same brown jacket, much to the ridicule of an amused Dickie. Unlike Dickie, he does not accessorise to excess, sticking to his horn-rimmed glasses and wrist watch out of a compliant necessity.

As Tom begins to imitate Dickie's lavish lifestyle, he too begins to have his suits custom made in Italy. He further mimics Dickie's look and behaviour, imitating his language, mannerisms and even his voice. He combs his hair back and wears Dickie's belongings such as his gold ring that Marge has previously given to him. Here the costume is playing a role as much as the characters themselves in the ever twisting plot. It is indeed when Marge spots Tom with Dickie's ring - the ring he promised that he would never give to anyone - that she becomes suspicious of Tom's existence in her world.

Demonstrating an idiosyncratic blend of Debutante-does-Riviera style, Marge is from an affluent family and is not dictated by money. An all-American young intellectual, she is in Italy to work on her book, albeit at a leisurely pace whilst enjoying the high life with Dickie. Her clothes are no doubt designer label and high-end luxury; however this is due to an inherent practicality of her social and financial milieu and not born out of a need to show off with the latest designer 'name'. For the first half of the film, she is clad in dainty, easy colours, simple linens and light shapes. She is a great fan of the classically white shirt, tied elegantly at the waist and teamed with a floral midi skirt. Her look is girlish and flirty with more than a hint of Grace Kelly. She is the carefree epitome of resortwear and '50s high waists, unable to resist finishing them with the preppy oxford lace-ups of her past.

Later, as her life begins to unravel at the seams, she begins to channel a much darker look - akin almost to the Hitchcock blondes of times past. She dons a heavy leopard print coat and a decidedly more ominous demeanour, complete with the ultimate accessory of mystique: a cigarette. Her life is no longer sweetness and light and she is grittily determined to find out why.

In a film as twisted and mysteriously thrilling as The Talented Mr. Ripley, costume plays an undeniable role. Each character endures a transition of their own, their agenda shrouded in the mystery of an evolving plot and their clothing choices acting almost as a subconscious display of their inner turmoil.]]>